Providing perspective on the economics and politics of sports business in Florida...and the Rays' campaign for a new stadium in Tampa Bay.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Selig Says Rays Need New Home, Not Contraction

Bud Selig addressed a bevy of issues at this week's All-Star Game in SoCal, including the possibility of contracting the A's or Rays if they can't get new stadiums built. He told the LA Times that "I think we have moved past (contraction)...we're going into 16 years of labor peace. I regard that as maybe the prime reason for the growth of the sport."

Selig added, "There is no question that both of those teams need new ballparks. We'll just have to work our way through it. Tampa has done a marvelous job running their team. [General Manager] Billy Beane has done a terrific job in Oakland. With the economics of baseball today, you've got to have a new stadium."